Hammond Lumber responds to inquires about reported fires

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Hammond Lumber Co. has issued a statement about a recent incident in the town of Rumford, Maine, on March 11 about the reports of trespassing by two 15-year-old boys who created two small fires at 80 Prospect St. After receiving many calls with concerns from customers and vendors about the situation, the company issued the following statement:

"Since the incident on March 11, we have heard from customers and vendors in Maine and across the country who have expressed their concerns to us about what they've read or heard about the small fires leading them to think the incident occurred at a current Hammond Lumber Yard. We feel it is necessary to communicate that there were no explosions, and the small fires did not take place at one of our 12 locations," said Rod Wiles, spokesperson and executive in charge of communications at Hammond Lumber.

"The fires took place at a building owned by MJH, LLC, a real estate holding company. The building was for sale and was unoccupied. We are very thankful that no one was hurt and commend the Rumford police and fire department who quickly responded," Wiles added.

On March 11, two teenagers forced entry into the unoccupied space at 80 Prospect St., site of the former Puiia Hardware building. According to Rumford police, the two individuals cut the locks and started two small fires inside the location using it as a "clubhouse." The small campfire caused smoke and a small amount of soot. There was no structural damage to the building.

The two teenagers have been charged with criminal mischief and trespassing by the Rumford Police Department and will appear in Rumford District Court on May 8.